Discover Nearby Parks Canada Sites in 2017 for Free

Parks Canada is celebrating the 150th Anniversary of Confederation by offering free admission to all Parks Canada Places in 2017. With the sites even easier to access, this is your chance to get out and explore the natural beauty and historic sites in our region. Please note: not everything is free – camping and specialty program fees still apply

It is recommended that you order your Parks Canada 2017 Discovery Pass online before you plan to travel to make site access easier and more efficient. When the site launched in December, over 900,000 people went online to order their free 2017 Parks Canada Discovery Passes in the first month.

On a local level, we have two Parks Canada sites operating close by: Thousand Islands National Park (found just West of Brockville), and Fort Wellington (in Prescott). Keep reading for a list of what is free and what isn’t at both sites.

Fort Wellington National Historic Site

2017 offers free self-guided entry for all age groups, and special Canada 150 rates for guided tours. Specialty Program fees apply.

The site is open to the public from May 20th-October 9th.
In July and August they are open 7 days/week from 10am-5pm, and in May, June, September and October they are open from Thursday to Monday (closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays) from 10am-5pm

Thousand Islands National Park

In 2017, vehicle parking fees will be free in lieu of admission. In addition to the islands and visitor centre, this park operates a number of mainland trail systems and offers boat launching. Fees apply for boat launching, island camping, oTENTiks, mooring, and specialty programs. Click here for a full list of fees

The Park’s operating season is from May 20 – October 9, 2017 which includes Island Services, Jones Creek Trails, Mallorytown Landing boat launch and trailer parking, and the Mallorytown Landing oTENTiks (please note that the oTENTiks will be closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays in September and October). Booking for camping and oTENTik starts on January 18, 8am on the Parks Canada Website

The Visitor Centre will be open from May 20-September 4 from 10am-4pm on weekends from May 20-June 24 and 7 days/week between June 24 and September 4.

Hours of operation for the Visitor Services Office at Mallorytown Landing May 20 – September 4 from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

From the Parks Canada website:

“For all of 2017 this pass gives you unlimited opportunities to enjoy National Parks, National Marine Conservation Areas and National Historic Sites across the country!

Please note:

You only need to order one pass for your group or family if you are all travelling together. A 2017 Discovery Pass is valid for everyone arriving in the same vehicle at a national park, or arriving together at a marine conservation area or historic site.

The Discovery Pass is only accepted at national historic sites which are operated by Parks Canada.

Activities such as tours or parking that normally carry a separate fee may not be covered by the Discovery Pass.

Camping fees are not included with the Discovery Pass

Validity Period: January 1st 2017 to December 31st 2017.

Display: The 2017 Discovery Pass must be hung from the rear view mirror of the vehicle facing forward or it can be placed on the front driver side dashboard facing up.”

If you have any questions regarding the above Terms of Use, please contact the National Information Service at 1-888-773-8888 or email information@pc.gc.ca.

Brockville Visitor Information Centres can assist you with making itineraries and planning activities during your stay. We can mail you information about attractions, festivals, events and accommodations to help you make the most of your visit.